Trends in Research on the P2X7 Receptor: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), activated by ATP, participates in mediating a variety of biological processes such as the release of inflammatory factors, thereby affecting the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Despite its clinical significance, comprehensive bibliometric studies on P2X7R-related research remain scarce. To address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric investigation to quantify publication outputs, identify leading contributors, and map geographical distributions of P2X7R-related research, ultimately elucidating current research frontiers and emerging trends. Utilizing visualization techniques, complex bibliometric relationships were transformed into interpretable graphical representations. Our Web of Science query for "P2X7R" identified 4551 original research articles by 13,471 authors published since 1985. Publication volume demonstrated sustained growth, with China emerging as the predominant contributor in quantitative output (1871 articles) and the United States leading in international collaborations. Thematic mapping revealed two principal research areas: "P2X7R, inflammation, microglia" and "P2X7R, apoptosis, purinergic". Notably, "P2X7R, P2 receptors, oxidative stress" encompassed both motor and niche themes, thus representing the trajectory of future development potential. Through bibliometric and visualization analysis, we found that the literature related to P2X7R is on the rise and will enter a new stage of interdisciplinary integration development in the future.